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2. tourist destinations
3. national parks

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FAIRVIEW PARK & ROCKY RIVER COMMUNITIES | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015
Just-A-Buck Stores:
Save & Do Good
By Latoya Hunter
Rocky River Public
Library Book Festival
By Kitty Sommers
Rocky River Public Library Book
Festival takes place on Saturday, April
25, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the
Don Umerley Civic Center on 21016
Hilliard Boulevard. Meet 50 fiction and
non-fiction authors, children’s and teen
authors, poets and book illustrators/
photographers at this free event.
Hear popular authors talk about their
books throughout the day, talk with your
favorite authors and get signed copies of
their books. Mary Doria Russell, Linda
Castillo, Les Roberts, Jonathan Sawyer,
Mary Ann Winkowski, D.M. Pulley,
Michael Heaton, James Renner and more
of your favorites will be there.
The Book Festival also features free
book appraisals and prize drawings, raffle
and more. This free event is sponsored by
the Women’s Committee of Rocky River
Public Library, the Friends of the Library,
and the Rocky River Public Library
Foundation.
•
Just-A-Buck, a cheerful dollar store
located in the River Plaza on Center
Ridge Road, allows shoppers to save
money while contributing to social good.
The store is one of three in Northeast Ohio
owned and operated by Solutions at Work,
Inc. (SAW), the non-profit partner of the
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental
Disabilities. SAW is one of the largest
employers of adults with developmental
disabilities in Northeast Ohio.
The Rocky River store opened in 2013,
preceded by stores in Parma and South
Euclid. Stores are staffed entirely by
adults with developmental disabilities
(except for managers). They serve as a
training ground and ultimately help
place employees in dozens of retail
positions throughout Greater Cleveland.
The 5,500 square-foot Rocky River
employs 15 workers with developmental
disabilities
who
oversee
stocking,
cleaning, customer service and check-out.
According to Just-A-Buck Regional
Manager
Kim
Pritchard,
Just-ABuck is investing in its employees
and community. “Just-A-Buck offers
customers in Rocky River, South
Euclid and Parma the chance to find
great savings while participating in a
remarkable mission to help individuals
with developmental disabilities,” said
Pritchard. “Walk into one of our stores,
see the smiling faces, the kind staff and
you’ll understand that Just-A-Buck isn’t
your typical dollar store.”
Aside from Just-A-Buck’s mission
and dedicated team, the store offers
customers a refreshing ‘true dollar store’
experience. Everything—from gourmet
cookbooks to children’s toys—is one
dollar. New products arrive daily and
local shoppers often encounter items
typically found at larger retailers for
a fraction of the cost. The store also
features a diverse selection of seasonal
items.
The Just-A-Buck franchise operates
throughout the eastern U.S. The
Northeast Ohio stores owned by SAW,
however, are the only ones staffed
by individuals with developmental
disabilities.
Rocky River store hours are 9:00 a.m.
to 9:00 p.m., Monday–Saturday; and 11:00
a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday.
To learn more about Just-A-Buck in
Rocky River or Solutions at Work, Inc.,
visit the Just-A-Buck Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Just-A-Buck/162267820511916).
•
Kitty Sommers is Director of
Marketing at Rocky River Public
Library
Tri-C Student Named
to Academic Team
By John Horton
All items are just a buck!
Nigmeh Abusbeih-Salti of Rocky River was one of seven students from Cuyahoga
Community College (Tri-C®) named to the All-Ohio Community College Academic
Team, which comprises top students at the state’s two-year schools.
The All-Ohio Academic Team recognizes student excellence in academics,
leadership and community service. Fifty-three students from across the state were
selected for this year’s team on the basis of their
outstanding records.
Tri-C had more students named All-Ohio
than any other school. “The All-Ohio results are
indicative of Tri-C’s focus on academic excellence
and the caliber of students that walk through
our doors,” said Craig Foltin, the College’s
interim executive vice president of academic
and learning success.
Abusbeih-Salti, who received third-team
honors, is pursuing her Associate of Arts degree
at Tri-C. After graduation, she plans to transfer
to Cleveland State University to pursue a career
as a school psychologist. She is a member of
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and serves as a
volunteer tutor in math, English, science, Arabic
and Quran.
Congratulations, Nigmeh
Abusbeih-Salti!
Academic Team page 2
rocky river community garden’s
April Shower of Spending Power
A Delicious Breakfast Buffet and Raffle
Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Beachcliff Tavern
19245 Detroit Road, Rocky River
Tickets: $17 per person,
$6 for children 12 and under
To order tickets, contact
Peggy Perry @ 440-356-0872
Proceeds benefit the activities and further
development of the Community Garden
2
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015
ROCKPORT FILES
Academic Team from page 1
Abusbeih-Salti joined the following Tri-C students — designated by campus — as
All-Ohio:
Rocky River Thaws
•E
astern Campus: La’Vette Edgerson of Cleveland (third team) and Charmane
Osborne of Shaker Heights (third team)
•M
etropolitan Campus: Faith Fatokun of Elyria (first team)
•W
estern Campus: Marc Carranza of Strongsville (third team) and Hannah Kiraly
of Lakewood (first team)
•W
estshore Campus: Aswin Bikkani of Westlake (third team)
First-team winners will receive $1,000 scholarships, while third-team students get
$250 scholarships. A recognition program for team members will be held in Columbus
on April 23 during Community College Month.
•
John Horton is Media Relations Manager at Cuyahoga Community College.
Photo by Jim O’Bryan
Rocky River Prosecutor and Assistant Law Director Michael O’Shea
takes a break between meetings to check out the river.
Readers, send us your photos. We’d love to see what you
find interesting in Rocky River and Fairview Park.
Community news powered by the
citizens of Rocky River & Fairview Park
Volume 2 | Issue 9
Adopt-A-Tree Program
The City of Fairview Park and Fairview Park Shade Tree Advisory Committee
invite residents to participate in the Adopt-A-Tree program, a great way to enhance
the appearance of your property and provide shade on hot, sunny days.
In just three easy steps, you can beautify your tree lawn and make Fairview Park
proud to be a “Tree City, USA” community:
• Contact the Fairview Park Service Department at 440-356-4410 to arrange a site
inspection and discuss tree type, size, and planting location.
• Purchase a tree at a local nursery at your expense.
• The City of Fairview Park will deliver and plant your tree at no cost to you.
Looking for the perfect gift? This is a great way to honor someone special or
commemorate a family event!
For more information and a list of suggested tree lawn trees, view the Adopt-ATree Brochure.
•
With a current circulation of 5,000 copies distributed to over 250 locations in the
Fairview Park, Kamm’s Corners, and Rocky River community and via our Web
site, The Rockport Observer is a community media initiative whose mission is to
involve, engage, inform and converse with neighbors in what was once known as
Ohio’s Rockport community. The views and opinions expressed in the publication
do not necessarily reflect that of The Rockport Observer, its publisher or staff.
Copyright 2015-The Rockport Observer, All right reserved. Any reproduction or
use of the content within without expressed written consent is forbidden.
The Rockport Observer is a locally-owned and operated citizen-based news source
written by community writers. Stories are accepted in the order received (save for
time-sensitive community event material). The Rockport Observer reserves the
right to edit all entries and items for publication.
NEXT DEADLINE:
April 30, 2015
PUBLISHER
Jim O’Bryan
JimOB@lakewoodobserver.com
ADVERTISING SALES &
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Meg Greenwald
M.Greenwaldrpo@gmail.com
ADVISORY BOARD
Peggy Cleary | Shelly Essi-Norehad
Dr. Perry Haan | David Hildebrandt
Joe LaPonza | John O’Brien
Kitty Sommers | Betsy Voinovich
John Spielberger, Sr.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Bendlock
www.yearroundphotography.com
DESIGNER
Angela Hammersmith
Happy Easter
& Happy Spring!
Check out our Web site at
TheRockportObserver.com
PUBLISH DATE:
May 5, 2015
EDITOR
Carolyn Hildebrandt
C.Hildebrandtrpo@gmail.com
WRITING ENSEMBLE
Conda Boyd | Deborah Capstick
Lynn Donaldson | Cynthia Eakin
Eric Eakin | Matt Gibel
Perry Haan | Colleen Harding
Mark Herron | John Horton
Matthew Hrubey | Karen Huhndorff
Latoya Hunter | Carol Jacobs
Kathy Kosiorek | Bridget Lavelle
Judith Mazur | Marilyn Osborne
Elliott Reusser | Bryan Ruocco
Debbie Simone | Angela Smith
Kitty Sommers | Mitchell Sotka
Edward Staskus | Karen Uthe
Colleen Wing
The Rockport Observer is powered by:
TheRockportObserver.com/Facebook
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015 3
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Volunteers Make a Meaningful Impact
By Deborah Capstick
The Rocky River Senior Center
honored over 130 volunteers in a
Hollywood-style Gala complete with red
carpet, paparazzi, and screaming fans in
late February. Volunteers were treated
to a catered dinner with entertainment
and dancing. After the walk on the red
carpet, volunteers enjoyed an Oscar
Awards movie presentation featuring,
of course, the volunteers. Excitement
mounted as volunteers were recognized
for their service and, can we have the
envelope please – Nancy Schneider was
named Volunteer of the Year!
Nancy was sitting in the front row
when the announcement was made,
oblivious to the fact that her family had
slipped in the back of the auditorium to
witness the event! It is Nancy’s smiling
face you see in the gift shop every
Wednesday. From there, she moves on to
the front desk to provide relief during
the lunch hour. Nancy also helps out
at many of the center’s special events.
Nobody will be surprised to learn that
Nancy spent a large part of her career in
customer service in the retail industry.
Those skills serve her well in volunteer
work- she is friendly, helpful, always
Nominees for Volunteer of the Year Dottie O’Neill, Nancy Talbert, Nancy
Schneider, Ted Kibbey, Rosanne Gavin, Kitty Stafford, and Pat Hendy.
smiling, quick to resolve problems and
fun to talk to!
Volunteering is ultimately about
helping others and having an impact on
people’s well-being. What better way is
there to connect with your community
and give a little back? These volunteers
certainly return to our community some
of the benefits that the community has
given them. Can one person actually
make a difference? Absolutely!
Volunteering is about giving your time,
energy and skills freely. Volunteers make
a decision to help on their own accord.
Repeatedly, these volunteers express a
sense of achievement, motivation and
personal satisfaction generated from
their desire and enthusiasm to help.
Researchers at the London School of
Economics examined the relationship
between volunteering and happiness in
a large group of American adults. They
found the more people volunteered, the
happier they were. Compared to people
who never volunteered, the odds of being
“very happy” rose 7% among people who
volunteer monthly and 12% among those
who volunteer every two weeks. Weekly
volunteers report even higher levels of
happiness - 16% feel very happy.
Volunteering provides many benefits
for both your mental and physical
health. It increases self-confidence and
reduces the risk of depression. Studies
show volunteers have a lower mortality
The Hooley on Kamm’s Corners™ Returns
By Marilyn Osborne
On Saturday, May 9, West Park’s
annual homecoming celebration will
feature great food, live music, children’s
shows and activities, Irish dancers, pipes
and drums, fine art, and more!
The 6th Annual Hooley on Kamm’s
Corners™ takes place from noon to 8:00
p.m. Lorain Avenue will be closed for the
festival between Rocky River Drive and
West 165 Street. Show up to eat, drink,
mingle, and enjoy! Once again, the event
is free of charge.
Purchase unique goods and pick up
interesting information from the many
booths lining each side of Lorain Avenue.
New this year, Cleveland Bazaar will host
a juried handmade arts and crafts show
on West 168 Street.
The main stage at Rocky River Drive
faces east and features a mix of Celtic
music and rock-n-roll. The Pipes and
Drums of the Cleveland Police will
help with opening ceremonies, and the
Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes
and Drums will perform too.
The family stage at West 165 Street
will entertain the younger crowd with
Irish dancers and musical performances
by local schools. Satisfy your cravings
from the abundant food offerings, such
as gyros, hot dogs, kettle corn, ice cream,
and more. Details at kammscorners.com.
rate than those not volunteering, AND
volunteering has been shown to lessen
the symptoms of chronic pain and heart
disease!
Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die
tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live
forever.” What better place to learn and
live, then the Rocky River Senior Center!
•
Deborah (Bock) Capstick is the
Director of Senior Services for the
City of Rocky River. She has a B.A. in
psychology and M.A. in counseling. For
the last 13 years, Deborah has worked
with seniors in North Olmsted, Bay
Village and Rocky River.
Volunteers
Needed for PGA
Tour Event in
Westlake
By Eric Eakin
Join the crowd at The Hooley on Kamm’s Corners™
•
Want to rub shoulders with some of
the best golfers on the planet? Want
to help ensure that a PGA-sponsored
tour event in Westlake runs smoothly?
Volunteer to help out at the upcoming
Rust-Oleum
Championship
golf
tournament, set for June 8-14, at the
beautiful Lakewood Country Club in
Westlake. Volunteers are needed for
course marshals, security, scoring,
admissions,
on-course
services,
clubhouse
services,
volunteer
services, and to assist the Golf
Channel.
Yes, there is a $40 fee to volunteer,
but you receive a limited-edition
hat, polo shirt, two tickets to the
tournament for the entire week
and one meal per shift you work.
(They charge $75 to volunteer at the
Bridgestone in Akron and close to
$100 at other golf tournaments!)
Proceeds from the event benefit the
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital.
Sign
up
today
at
www.
rustoleumchampionship.com.
For
any questions, call the tournament
office at 216-503-2270.
•
Marilyn Osborne is Manager of
Marketing
&
Communications
for Kamm’s Corners Development
Corporation, the non-profit planning
and development organization serving
Ward 17 in Cleveland.
And the Winner Is...Nancy Schneider!
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
4
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Fairview Park Green Team Offers Fun, Informative Events
By Matthew Hrubey
The Fairview Park Green Team is
a volunteer group of residents whose
mission is to promote sustainable,
environmentally
friendly
practices
community wide. Mayor Eileen Ann
Patton formed the group in 2011 to help
promote the City’s then-new curbside
recycling program. Four years later, the
Green Team’s priority areas have grown
beyond recycling to also include water
quality, stormwater management, and
active transportation.
2015 is shaping up to be a busy year for
the Green Team as it works to offer fun,
informative opportunities for Fairview
Park residents to volunteer and educate
themselves.
Recycling Town Hall
On March 25, the Green Team hosted
a Recycling Town Hall at the Fairview
Park Senior Center. The 30 individuals
in attendance heard presentations
on existing and future recycling
opportunities from representatives of
in Fairview Park will
receive a series of four
mailings that will
explain the program
in detail and provide
the materials needed
to participate. The
first mailing will be
distributed in early
April.
The
event
concluded with a
lengthy question and
Mayor Eileen Ann Patton welcomes attendees to
answer session that
Recycling Town Hall.
allowed attendees to
get all their recycling
the City of Fairview Park, Cuyahoga
questions answered. All presentation
County Solid Waste District, and
slides and a transcript of the Q&A session
Republic Services.
will be posted online when complete at
The town hall also featured a
www.fairviewpark.org/green-team/
presentation by Simple Recycling, a
recycling-town-hall/.
company the City of Fairview Park
recently contracted with for curbside
collection of clothing, textiles, and
household goods. This new program,
set to begin April 20, is designed to
complement the City’s current rubbish
and recycling program. Each household
Freshen Up Fairview Park
The Green Team’s annual Freshen Up
Fairview Park event is returning for its
third year on Saturday, April 11. In lieu of
a community clean up day, Green Team
Storewide Sale at The Ritzy Chic
•
Matthew Hrubey is a City of Fairview
Park employee and serves as Mayor
Eileen Patton’s liaison to the Fairview
Park Green Team.
River Dog
Celebrates
Anniversary
By Debbie Simone
For the month of April, The Ritzy Chic
Resale Shoppe is having a storewide 75%
off sale. This sale includes items such as
furniture, glassware, collectibles, vintage,
retro, nearly new clothing, shoes, jewelry
and accessories. The sale also includes
pictures, paintings, lamps, kitchenware,
metal and pewter items and more!
Come join the fun and get some great
deals during our winter shop hours:
Tuesday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our shop is
located at 1315 Linda St. Rocky River,
Ohio 44116 and our phone number is
440-331-5200. You may also contact by
email at theritzychic@windstream.net
While The Ritzy Chic still provides
funds to benefit cancer survivors, we have
added a section to our shop for animals.
This section (and we will be adding more
items) supports our program “Just Paws
4 A Cause”. We also have a site that we
support
www.justpaws4acause.com,
which helps abandoned, abused and sick
animals (as well as animals with cancer).
So, check out our shop, get some deals
and see what’s new. Whether you are a
members and volunteers will be planting
over 100 trees and shrubs in Bain Park
along Coe Creek.
Reforesting Coe Creek’s riparian
zone—the area where land meets
water—will provide many benefits for
the environment. The new trees and
shrubs will help prevent soil erosion,
filter water and improve its quality, and
provide necessary shade to lower water
temperature and improve the in-stream
habitat.
If you are interested in helping plant,
join the Green Team at 9:00 am on April
11 at Bain Park Gazebo, 21077 North
Park Drive in Fairview Park. This event
is family and child friendly - all are
welcome, no experience necessary! A
demonstration of how to plant trees and
shrubs will be offered to all volunteers.
Any questions can be directed to
greenteam@fairviewpark.org.
On April 25th, we will be celebrating
our one-year anniversary at River Dog
Cafe´ and we invite all of you to come
out and help us celebrate!
We will have specials running all
day and would love to see you there.
Like us on Facebook for details as
we get closer to the event to find out
about daily specials and see photos
that will keep you salivating!
•
Pick up something for spring that will make you smile!
shopper, collector, or browser, we are always happy to see you and will help you in any
way we can. See you soon at The Ritzy Chic!
Debbie Simone is the owner of The Ritzy Chic Resale Shoppe. The shop donates a
portion of its proceeds to cancer survivors.
•
Cahoon in June Seeking Vendors
By Cynthia Eakin
Spring has finally arrived and family-style summer fun is not far behind.
The 46th annual Cahoon in June fine crafts, collectibles and antiques event is
seeking vendors to fill Cahoon Memorial Park on June 13 and help make this the
biggest and best event in its history. The yearly festival of art, music, food and fun
attracts more than 1,500 visitors. Admission to the show, which takes place from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m., and parking are free. Vendor spaces are very affordably priced.
This year, the Bay Village Historical Society, the Cahoon in June sponsor, is
partnering with BAYarts, which will hold its Annual Art and Music Festival on the
same day in nearby Huntington Park. Transportation will run between the two
venues. The Village Project has also scheduled its “Project Pedal” fundraiser for
June 13.
For more information about Cahoon in June, contact Cynthia Eakin at 216-2130312 or visit www.bayhistorical.com. Proceeds from the event support the Bay Village
Historical Society’s Rose Hill Museum, the Reuben Osborn Learning Center and
student scholarships.
•
Cynthia Schuster Eakin is a freelance feature, food and entertainment writer
and a frequent contributor to The Westlake | Bay Village Observer.
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015 5
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Gluten-Free Vendor Fair
By Judith Mazur
The Northeast Ohio Celiac Network
is sponsoring a Gluten-Free Vendor Fair
on Sunday, April 19, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will be held at Rocky River’s
Memorial Hall in the recreation complex
at 21012 Hilliard Blvd. The event is free to
the general public. Vendors will be giving
samples and selling their gluten-free
products. Most of the vendors are local to
the greater Cleveland area.
The fair is sponsored by The Northeast
Ohio Celiac Network, a group dedicated
to people with celiac disease (CD),
gluten sensitivity, their families, and the
gluten-free diet. This greater Cleveland
group has been active for over 20 years,
formerly a chapter of the Celiac Disease
Foundation and previously known as
Northeast Ohio Celiac Support Group.
As the group grew, the meetings moved
from members’ homes to library meeting
rooms.
CD is an inherited, autoimmune
disorder in which proteins from
the grains of wheat, rye and barley
(collectively called gluten) damage the
small intestine. The only treatment for
CD is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
With a prevalence rate of about one in
133 people worldwide, between three
and four million North Americans have
the disease. However, it is estimated that
only 5% to 10% are currently diagnosed.
Mozart Opera Comes
to Rocky River
By Carol Jacobs
In addition to those with CD, glutenfree products are purchased by those
with a wide variety of other conditions,
including non-celiac gluten sensitivity,
wheat allergy, autism, ADHD, multiple
sclerosis and irritable bowel syndrome.
The gluten-free diet, once thought a
fad, is now a trend with more than 15%
of North American households using
gluten-free products.
For the fair, those who register in
advance and bring a printout of their
ticket will be entered in a gift card
drawing. Additional information and
registration can be found at http://www.
neohioceliac.com.
•
Rocky River Chamber Music Society is excited to bring opera to its stage at
West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River on Monday, April 20 at
7:30 p.m. The concert will feature Baldwin Wallace Conservatory’s production of
concert selections from Mozart’s rarely heard madcap opera “La Finta Giardiniera”
(The Pretend Garden Girl). Seven cast members will perform in this concert version
under the direction of Benjamin Wayne Smith, with Jason Aquila on the piano.
Mozart composed this comedic opera just before his eighteenth birthday. The
opera’s over-the-top qualities are hilariously conveyed by the plot elements of
three love triangles, two characters in disguise, two mad scenes, lots of unrequited
love, one abduction, three cases of mistaken identity, and a multitude of grand
gestures made in the name of love. The main character is Violante, a noblewoman
who has gone undercover as a garden girl to reclaim Count Belfiore, the man she
loves.
For those who missed the full production of “La Finta Giardiniera” at Baldwin
Wallace in late February, this is the perfect opportunity to see the same cast
members in a concert version of this opera. Clevelandclassical.com called the
February production “a funny, musically satisfying… production that succeeds on
the quality of the cast’s singing and its high level of comedic acting.”
As is true of all concerts presented by the Rocky River Chamber Music Society,
there is no admission charge and all are welcome. For further information call 440333-4296 or visit www.rrcms.org.
•
Carol Jacobs was most recently curator of the Cowan Pottery Museum at
Rocky River Public Library for seven years. Before that she was archivist for The
Cleveland Orchestra for 17 years.
Judith Mazur is an independent,
self-employed youth theater instructor
and director. She is also a member of the
Northeast Ohio Celiac Network.
“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
-- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”
— Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Prospective New
Member Luncheon
By Karen Huhndorff
The Women’s Board of Lake Erie Nature
& Science Center invites prospective new
members to a soup and salad luncheon
on Wednesday, April 1, at 12 noon, at the
Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village. An
informative and entertaining program is
planned for guests after the luncheon.
Amy LeMonds, Lake Erie Nature &
Science Center’s Director of Wildlife,
will speak about the Center’s specialized
wildlife programs. She will provide an indepth look at the wildlife rehabilitation
program and an overview of last year’s
wildlife intakes. Hear about some of
these unique cases and why 2014 was the
busiest year on record!
Amy will provide some insight into the
new programs that have been developed
with the Women’s Board (WB), including
the wildlife internship program. Meet
one of the program animals and learn
about how you can be trained as a docent
to handle some of the resident animals
and to share your knowledge with the
Center’s visitors.
The WB is a volunteer organization
with a rich history. Begun in 1954, the WB
is made up of volunteers with a diversity
of skills, experiences, and talents. These
women support the Center and its
mission through service, leadership,
community awareness, and fundraising.
Please RSVP for the luncheon to Judy
at 440-871-3071. We welcome anyone
who would like to gain information
about Lake Erie Nature & Science
Center, meet WB members, and learn
about WB membership opportunities
and activities.
•
Karen Huhndorff is a member of the
Women’s Board of Lake Erie Nature &
Science Center. She also writes articles
to publicize the activities of the Board.
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children
is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
— C.S. Lewis
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
6
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015
HOME &
The Eponymous Antique Shop Owner
Welcome Spring with a New Vision for Your Home
By Mitchell Sotka
As you know by now, I am passionate
about antiques. I love their history, their
quality, their impact on interior design
and their value. In previous articles, I
have written about the marketplace for
antiques. Antiques are still a great value
and still relevant in home design today.
Open any home magazine and you
will see vintage and antique pieces in
photos of high-end homes as well as
more cost-conscious homes. Readers
of The Rockport Observer may differ
in aesthetics and lifestyles, but that is
the cool thing about antiques. There
is something for everyone - from
simple lines to heavily carved ornate
cabinets. Today’s trend or the direction
of consumers’ purchases can be
summarized easily: clean lines, practical
décor and fewer pieces.
For some time the heavy, both
physically and figuratively, pieces have
been falling out of favor. Those tall, triple
door armoires are being passed over. If
they sell, it is at a quarter of the price
they sold for 20 years ago. Given the labor
and quality that went into creating these
pieces, it is hard to believe. In addition,
the excessive use of decorative pieces is
giving way to fewer choice pieces. One
may capitalize on the trends by buying
such pieces when the market value is
lower. And, using those heavy and fussy
pieces sparingly can make a wonderful
focal point for a room and still be on trend.
In the design world, everything comes
full circle. Vintage pieces from the 1960s
with their clean lines and practical
application to our current
lifestyles
are
drawing
more interest currently.
This clean aesthetic is not
unique to the 1960s. Take
a look at French Deco and
Ming Style pieces from
China.
Knowing
what
periods
and
cultures
produced
clean
line
decorative and furniture
pieces, you can focus your
hunt. An antique dealer
can also help with your
search.
An Interesting Mix
Mixing things has been
on trend for some time. If
clean lines are your overall
theme, you can create
interest by mixing pieces
from various places and
times. Currently, my shop
has a fabulous Adrian
Keep it simple but interesting. The balance in this
Pearsall Gondola sofa that
room works!
sits in front of a drop-dead
gorgeous,
eight-panel
Chinese screen. The sofa
Even if a low-slung sofa is not to your
has built-in end tables that cantilever
liking, the idea of less is more is still a
out on each side. The end tables are
key trend. Letting the eye rest on pops
decked out with vintage barware - both
of interest through fabric, wall color
Danish modern and American - along
or a piece of furniture seems to be the
with matching 1960s lamps.
direction of those furnishing or editing
The clean lines of the sofa with a plain
their space today.
fabric contrast perfectly with the bold
pattern of the screen. Nothing is overly
Rotating
fussy. Oh, and the new pillow in an animal
Restraint is not easy. For those who
print is also fabulous. It is a balance that
love beautiful objects and may be
works!
overwhelmed by the idea of “editing”, the
solution could be to rotate items in your
collection. Store your winter objects and
bring out others for a spring re-do.
A pottery collection is a great thing to
rotate. A collection of monochromatic
pottery grouped together can give a
room weight, interest and cohesiveness.
Green glaze pottery from the 1940s
seems to be in demand today. Even if
the pottery is from various makers
and the shades of green are not exactly
the same, a grouping can make an eyecatching focal point and be a great way
to introduce spring into your home.
I think it is important to create a
space that is not only functional but
also inviting. The various antique and
vintage shops in northeastern Ohio are
great resources. Is it frivolous to put so
much time and effort into the details
of your personal space? The answer is
no! Look around for inspiration; keep it
simple and functional. Create points of
interest by pairing complex or ornate
pieces with clean line furniture. You will
not only add a pop of interest to the room
but also find it easier to rotate when you
gather or collect in this method.
So, welcome spring with a new vision
for your home. Look around your home
and see what can be edited out, what
can be grouped together, what needs a
pop of interest. Photograph your rooms.
Take the pictures with you when you
are combing through the great shops
of northeastern Ohio. You will have
good pictures of your space that will
help salespeople and shop owners make
suggestions and recommendations.
“Have nothing in your house that you do not
know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
— William Morris
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
•
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015 7
Garden
RiverSouth Townhomes Selling Out Fast
By Elliott Reusser
I am standing on one of the rooftop
decks of the new Brickhaus Partners
community of RiverSouth on the border
of Rocky River and Fairview Park. As I
look to the south, there is a panoramic
view of the Metroparks. Turning around,
amazingly, I can see the skyline of
downtown Cleveland which is only 20
minutes away.
A large black bird appears in the
distance heading toward RiverSouth. At
first I think to myself that it must be one
of the Hinckley buzzards that has lost its
way. As the bird gets closer and swoops
overhead, my partner and I realize and
are amazed to see a magnificent bald
eagle heading south, over the Emerald
Canyon of the Rocky River Reservation.
It follows the Rocky River as it meanders
below, and then suddenly dives into
the water to emerge with a large fish
in its talons. A site like this cannot
be experienced just anywhere; and
this is what drew developer Andrew
Brickman to the peninsula overlooking
the Metroparks, where his newest
community, RiverSouth, is quickly
rising.
RiverSouth is a collaboration of
developer,
Andrew
Brickman
of
Brickhaus Partners and architects Scott
and Analia Dimit. It is the newest addition
to a Brickhaus portfolio that includes
other
award-winning
communities
like the Brownstones of Derbyshire in
Cleveland Heights, 27 Coltman in Little
Italy, Clifton Pointe in Lakewood and
perhaps the most infamous community
(where “Draft Day” was filmed), Eleven
River along the banks of the Rocky River.
Sales and construction at RiverSouth
are moving along rapidly with over
12 residents already committed to
a home. Three buildings are already
under construction and two are under
roof with the first resident planning
to take occupancy in the next 90 days.
Like other Brickhaus communities,
the townhomes at RiverSouth are ecofriendly, dramatically designed, and
have incredible views. In addition, they
utilize the finest materials and feature
the Brickhaus exclusive design of “clear
span construction” that enables each
homeowner to custom design their floor
plan to fit their specific lifestyle.
An additional feature of RiverSouth is
that it has a seven-year, 100% real estate
tax abatement, which amounts to a
significant savings for the homeowner.
Pricing starts at $239,000 and goes up to
over $500,000. At this time, Brickhaus
I’ll plant and water, sow and weed,
Till not an inch of earth shows brown,
And take a vow of each small seed
To grow to greenness and renown:
And then some day you’ll pass my way,
See gold and crimson, bell and star,
And catch my garden’s soul, and say:
“How sweet these cottage gardens are!”
— Edith Nesbit, Seed-Time and Harvest
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
also has five other purchase agreements
out for execution, which would bring
RiverSouth up to 50% capacity. There
has been one price increase and another
is anticipated as soon as the weather
breaks.
Residents are coming from all over
the city. They are drawn to the strategic
location because of its walkability to
amenities along Center Ridge Road and
the Kamm’s Corner area. In addition,
they’re surrounded by the Metroparks
so outdoor activities almost invite
residents to lead a healthier lifestyle and
be more in sync with nature. Freeway
accessibility is also excellent with I-90
and I-480 only minutes away. You are
also a short drive to Cleveland Hopkins
airport.
Mayor Eileen Patton, Economic
Development Director Rob Berner,
Councilman Brian McDonough, and
Building Commissioner Sel Kulcsar were
very helpful in making this project come
to fruition. All should be applauded for
the notable progress in Fairview Park.
For
more
information,
please
visit www.riversouth.com or www.
brickhauspartners.com
or
contact
developer Andrew Brickman at 216-9654514.
•
8
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Turning an Idea into a Business
By Perry Haan
Most people think that they have had
a bright idea that could be converted
into a successful business. Most of those
people, however, have not tried to create
a business from that idea. The process of
going from something scratched out on
a napkin to a successful business is more
complicated than most think.
New ideas come from many different
places. Often, consumers realize there
must be a better way to perform some
routine task. Today many successful
ideas come from making people’s lives
more convenient. For example, not very
long ago, we were traveling to the corner
video store to rent movies. Netflix and
its competitors now make it possible
for consumers to download movies and
other entertainment to their TVs and
other devices without getting off the
couch.
It is critical for entrepreneurs to
evaluate the validity of their ideas before
investing time, money and effort. An
entrepreneur needs to be enthusiastic
about the idea. The founder of Virgin
Group and serial entrepreneur, Richard
Branson, runs new business ideas by his
mother.
“If she glazes over when you describe
the new venture, return to your hammock
and start over. If she gets excited, you
could be onto a winner.” Branson says he
does his business brainstorming from his
hammock.
Anjanette Whitman at AnjCookies in
Rocky River began making chocolate
chip cookies in high school. “I would send
care packages of cookies to my friends in
college. I worked with the recipe to make
the cookies just how I would like them—
soft, gooey and full of chocolate. Over
time, the recipe became my signature
product. My friends and family would
crave them and get so excited to receive
them as gifts. Many of them said that I
should sell them because they were just
that good.”
Will It Work?
Several issues need to be addressed to
determine the validity of a new idea. One
is to determine what problem the new
business will solve. Any new product or
idea has to be able to meet a consumer’s
need or want in a distinctly new way to
differentiate itself from products already
in the market. If a need has not been met
before, the new business has to find a way
to solve a consumer problem.
Scott Cowan, owner of Century Cycles
in Rocky River, Medina and Peninsula,
said he took a geography of economics
class that he later used to help evaluate
his business plan when he started. “The
first year of the business was within a few
dollars of being exactly what I expected
from the class,” he said.
It may take some market research
that typically requires some work and
investment to help determine if a new
idea has a chance of succeeding—or
should stay on the napkin where it
was first conceived. At some point, the
entrepreneur has to make the decision
to turn the dream into reality. This is
usually one of the bigger decisions a
first-time entrepreneur makes in life
and requires the ability to deal with risk
often never encountered before.
Turning a new idea into a business also
requires support from others. Very few
new ideas are converted into businesses
by going it alone. The entrepreneur
needs to find people to depend on to
help implement the new concept such
as employees, potential customers and
investors.
The idea also has to be one that can be
converted into a long-term, sustainable
business. The model should work and
be scalable. The entrepreneur needs
to establish measurable goals for the
organization.
Any effort to convert a new idea into
a business is going to run into obstacles.
The entrepreneur needs to try to
anticipate potential obstacles. He or she
needs to prepare for the practical and
psychological bumps in the road, as it
is important to stay positive when the
inevitable obstacles occur.
“The only obstacle I found was finding
a location where I could make the bagels.
It took us a good year. But we found
our location in Fairview Park. We love
it there. We have a cafe where people
can come in and eat their bagels, plain,
hot topped or as a sandwich,” explained
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
Dr. Perry Haan
Terry Frick of Frickaccio’s Fresh Italian
Foods in Fairview Park.
The idea is the easy part of a business
startup; it is the execution of that idea
that is difficult. Venture capitalist Sam
Hogg said today, he and his colleagues are
looking at the people behind the ideas
instead of just the idea itself. “Venture
capital is all about mitigating risk, and if
the majority of that risk lies in execution,
it could come as no surprise that venture
capitalists are shifting to a more peoplecentric model,” Hogg stated.
•
Dr. Perry Haan is Professor of
Marketing and Entrepreneurship and
former Dean of the Business School at
Tiffin University. He resides in Rocky
River and can be reached at 419-6182867 or haanpc@tiffin.edu.
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015 9
HEALTH
New Epilepsy Unit at Fairview Hospital
By Angela Smith
Cleveland Clinic’s Fairview Hospital
has opened a new four-bed adult epilepsy
monitoring unit (EMU) to deliver stateof-the-art evaluation, diagnosis and
monitoring of patients with epilepsy.
As an expansion of the Epilepsy
Center located on Cleveland Clinic’s
main campus, the facility features the
latest technology of all-digital video EEG
equipment. Operating around the clock,
the unit is staffed by a team of nurses
and EEG technologists specializing in
epilepsy and backed by the Cleveland
Clinic Epilepsy Center’s large team of
epileptologists. The team also includes
specialists in neurology, neurosurgery,
neuroradiology,
nuclear
medicine,
psychology and psychiatry, as well as a
large group of specialized nurses, social
workers and clinical technologists.
“We are very excited to open the new
EMU at Fairview Hospital,” said Neil P.
diagnosed
every
year. There are as
many people with
epilepsy as with
Parkinson’s disease,
multiple
sclerosis
and cerebral palsy
combined.
Over
three million people
in the United States
are living with this
disease.
“We are thrilled
Ready, set...the new EMU unit at Fairview Hospital is
to be expanding our
officially opened.
epilepsy services to
Fairview
Hospital
and the West Side
Smith, DO, President of Fairview Hospital.
“We are always looking for ways to build community. The EMU will now give
on the quality care we can provide to our patients in this community access to
community so patients can receive the evaluations, diagnosis and monitoring
for seizure detection,” said Dileep Nair,
care they need close to home.”
Epilepsy is one of the most common MD, head of Adult Epilepsy at Cleveland
adult brain disorders. It is estimated Clinic. “The new unit will be connected
that 200,000 new cases of epilepsy are to the clinic’s Central Monitoring Unit
and will give patient’s access to live EEG
monitoring 24 hours a day. Bringing this
capability into the community, gives
the patients better access to advanced
technology and care.”
The
new
state-of-the-art
unit,
overlooking the Metro Parks at
Fairview Hospital, will be uniquely
connected to Cleveland Clinic’s stateof-the-art Central Monitoring Unit,
the first in the world to serve as a true
live control center with the ability to
monitor EEG 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year for all Cleveland Clinic patients
in the monitoring units, the hospital
beds, the intensive care units, and the
operating rooms at Cleveland Clinic’s
main campus, Florida and now Fairview
Hospital. The implementation of this
innovative infrastructure represents
a paradigm shift in the concept of live
neurophysiologic
monitoring
with
direct feedback, thus optimizing seizure
detection
and
patient
treatment
outcomes.
•
Wellness Doc
Alternative Solutions to Joint Pain
By Bryan Ruocco
A few months ago, I wrote an article
on arthritis. Given the great turnout
at our arthritis workshop, I thought I
would elaborate a bit more on the topic.
Millions of Americans suffer with joint
pain. It is one of the top five reasons for
doctor’s visits in the U.S.
For those who suffer with joint pain,
I am sure you realize that the pain can
be disabling and can affect your lifestyle
in many ways. From playing with the
grandkids and enjoying your hobbies to
just long periods of walking, joint pain
can literally take years of enjoyment
from your life.
There are many causes of joint pain.
Many people think that arthritis is a
death sentence to a life with joint pain.
That is not the case. Joint pain can be a
physical problem or a chemical problem.
Some people experience both. From a
treatment perspective, you can often
limit joint pains by addressing both
causes. Let me give you an understanding
of both types and a few tips you can try
to help with your pain.
Physical Problem
Over our lifetime, our joints take
a beating. From sports and physical
activity to trauma and stress, joints can
easily break down if not well managed
and cared for. The most common joints
to break down are knees, hips and spine
because they bear the most weight. The
shoulders joints are a common problem
too, because we use our arms so much
every day.
When we experience an injury or
trauma, we often forget that we must
make sure that our body remains in
proper balance. As I have mentioned
before, joints that are out of balance tend
to wear out and deteriorate faster than
would otherwise be the case. When it’s
one knee or one hip, ask yourself why.
Age is not the answer - your other knee
and hip are the same age. Body alignment
and healthy joint junction are key and
one of the things we focus on in our office
to help alleviate joint pain and stress.
Even if you already have joint pain
and arthritis, if you are out of alignment,
you are stressing certain joints. Once you
improve the alignment, you reduce the
joint irritation and stress and much of the
pain is eliminated. Arthritis is actually
joint inflammation caused by stress and
irritation to a joint. Don’t be fooled into
thinking it is a death sentence. You can
eliminate the pain caused by arthritis
in many ways. I will address this topic at
our upcoming workshop.
Chemical Problem
If you do not think what you eat can
cause joint pain and stiffness, you are in
for a rude awakening. Body pH and the
acids that are produced from what we eat
and drink can have an enormous impact
on joint pain, arthritis and inflammation.
When your body chemistry is out of
balance and producing excess acids, this
is eroding and irritating joint linings and
causing pain and stiffness.
The first thing to focus on is limiting
sugar. Sugar causes an increase in acid
production, so staying away from or
limiting the carbohydrates can help
reduce your inflammation. Many other
factors can cause joint inflammation,
including food sensitivities.
Most people are not aware of the foods
their body is sensitive to. There are
very basic in-office tests that we use to
determine this. Avoiding foods that your
body is sensitive to is very important
in piecing the puzzle together to free
yourself from joint pain and arthritis.
Please join us on April 29 at 7:15 p.m. at
Panera Bread in Rocky River as we take
an in-depth look at the causes of joint
pain, inflammation and arthritis and
what alternatives are available to help
alleviate the pain and suffering. Please
call 440-331-4744 to reserve a space.
•
Dr. Bryan Ruocco is a local
chiropractor and wellness advocate.
He owns and operates the Power of LIFE
Wellness Center located in Rocky River.
Dr. Ruocco graduated from the Life
Chiropractic College in Marietta, GA.
He graduated in the top of his class and
received Magna Cum Laude Honors.
YOU’RE INVITED!
JOIN US FOR OUR
RE-GRAND OPENING
Celebration!
Power of Life
Chiropractic / Nutrition / Massage
Come see our new state-of-the-art facility located at 21690 River Oaks Drive at Center Ridge Road!
April 18, 2015 • 11 am - 2 pm
Food & Drinks • Clown with Balloon Figures • Face Painting
We will be offering these complementary services:
Computerized Spinal Health Analysis • Chair Massages • Nutritional Heart Assessment
DR. BRYAN RUOCCO, D.C.
Dr. Bryan Ruocco
FREE SEMINAR
Do You Suffer with...
• Neck Pain? • Low Back Pain?
• Knee Pain? • Hip Pain?
Natural Solutions to Joint Pain
April 29th • 7:15 p.m.
Panera Bread Rocky River
Call to Register and Reserve
Your Seat. Seating is Limited.
440-331-4744
Leading the Community Towards
Better Health Through Education
21690 River Oaks Dr. (and Center Ridge) • Rocky River, OH 44116 Call for a FREE Consultation 440-331-4744
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
10
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015
OPINION
Zoning Meeting of 10 Years
Ago Still Fair Game
By Matt Gibel
Fairview Park residents, especially those near the former Coffinberry Elementary
School, are getting involved in the planning of a new home development going in
possibly later this year or early next year. Some news articles in the West Life and
Sun Herald have been keeping people up to date, which is great. This is an extremely
important issue for people in our area.
In 2005, a public meeting at Coffinberry School took place, prior to voting, on the
issue of zoning this property to be residential. At this meeting, assurances were made
by city officials that some green space would be a part of the land’s future. Fairview
Park Director of Development Jim Kennedy stated, “I can sit here and look you in the
eye and tell you our intent is to fully put green space in there.” An audio link, provided
by Kevin Kelley of the West Life—easily found by googling the two words “soundcloud
coffinberry”, contains the entire audio of that meeting, which was attended by the
mayor of Fairview Park.
During that 2005 meeting, plenty of questions were asked by Coffinberry residents,
many of whom still live here. Kennedy goes on to state that residents will have a
voice in the development process. At 4:38, Part 4 of the recording, he says, “everyone
who lives in this area is welcome to attend planning commission meetings and have
an opportunity to make comments on plans as they are submitted.” In another
statement, Kennedy says, “the public continues to have a voice in this process once a
developer is selected.” After hearing all this in 2005, we voted yes to rezone - barely. It
passed by only 20 votes in Ward 1.
Our school district auctioned the property to the highest bidder on February 17 of
this year. The highest bidder, Garland Homes, had no knowledge of the promises made
with the 2005 Master Plan; they had no knowledge about the green space. The highest
bidder learned of the auction only two days prior to the event.
There have been lots of reasons offered about why this development should be built
without allocating meaningful public green space:
“We have the Metroparks nearby.”
“There are already other parks in Fairview and Rocky River.”
“You had 10 years to make your point.”
“Where are you going to put the green space and who is going to maintain it?”
“It’s up to the developer, since he now owns it.”
“Not every neighborhood has a park in it, so why are you special?”
“The people who made those promises are gone.”
“The vote passed, get over it.”
These are all good points - the vote did pass, we have the valley, not everyone has a
park in walking distance. It’s all true.
What is also true is that promises were made about green space in order to have
the vote passed. Specific promises were made to include neighborhood involvement
in the development. Right now we have the opportunity to do just that, whether it’s
one year later or 10 years later. As Kennedy stated, “You will all have the opportunity
to further comment on that when the time comes.”
Adding new houses will bring some excitement to our neighborhood, and no doubt
some families that today live in Coffinberry will be buying some of those homes.
If the issue is about money, there are solutions and we are looking for ways to
address that. At the State of the City address, Mayor Patton closed by saying that the
state of the city is good financially. Other funding sources are being explored outside
of the city.
To summarize, 10 years ago a school in our neighborhood was closed. Our city
leaders wanted to build houses on the property and also put in green space. To make
this happen, our leaders said we needed to vote yes on the zoning ordinance, which we
did. We trusted and we voted.
We all know politicians on TV tell lies to get elected and to push legislation through.
I wasn’t expecting it at the local level, in person, right here in my neighborhood. Maybe
it is a misunderstanding, or maybe our city wasn’t fully on board with Mr. Kennedy’s
statements. All I can say is, lesson learned. I will continue to follow Mr. Kennedy’s
directives about being involved in the development.
•
Matt Gibel grew up in Rocky River and is currently a resident of Fairview Park.
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THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015 11
GOVERNMENT
Fairview Park: State of the City Report
This report is excerpted from the State
of the City address delivered by Mayor
Eileen Ann Patton on March 11. The full
report is available on the website for
Fairview Park.
If I were going to summarize a theme
for the State of Our City it would be...
The future is looking better than ever for
Fairview Park.
As an administration, we have the
privilege of telling Fairview Park’s story
to people in the County and the State as
we work to receive critical grant dollars
to help bolster our city.
And boy have we delivered, with
more than $531,000.00 in grant
funding received. Matt Hrubey, our
Grant Administrator, worked with
Ohio Department of Transportation
in receiving funding for Safe Routes to
School Program, the Cleveland Indians
in park improvements, the Ohio EPA for
stream bank and erosion at the creek
and city hall parking lot, Cleveland
Foundation for an intern and Cuyahoga
County for recycling awareness and
shredding days.
Development remains on track in
Fairview Park. One of the biggest projects
is the Garnett Health Campus renamed
O’Neill Healthcare, Fairview Park. With
an estimate of 100 employees when the
business is up and running, we certainly
welcome the O’Neill family back to
Fairview Park, where it was once the
place that they grew up.
This year we will be working on
the occupancy of Savers Resale in the
former Big Lots on Center Ridge and the
Redevelopment of the Center Ridge/
West 210 commercial district that was
re-zoned last year. The Coffinberry
School Property was recently sold to
a local developer. The sale of this area
is in its infancy stages and we will be
meeting with the new owner shortly. We
continue our efforts working with the
owners of the former NASA buildings in
redevelopment of this property.
Sewer projects continue to be an
important part of our future. Last year
sewer line grouting, sealing and dye
testing took place at various areas of our
city. A new approach to tackling flooding
problems began last year in public
meetings with our residents. The results
of these meetings was the city’s decision
to work and partner with an outside
consultant, Black & Veatch Engineering
to develop a comprehensive plan to
address areas of flooding.
Based on the needs identified by the
computer model, a master plan will
be developed consisting of prioritized
improvement projects that will be
implemented over several years. In the
meantime, we will explore potential
funding sources for future projects.
Our Service Department used over
2,000 tons of asphalt, cold patch and salt
and collected 1,229 tons of leaves utilizing
3 leaf vac machines and 5 city trucks over
36 days. They also painted cross walks
and lane markings, pruned 111 city trees,
removed 31 old trees and planted 28 new
ones. And if that is not enough, this team
repaired 35 water main breaks, serviced
traffic lights, cleaned 47,710 feet of
sewers, rebuilt 30 catch basins, made 196
service calls to residents.
As we try to maximize our recycling
efforts, I am pleased to report that the comingling of recyclables, combining paper
with many household recycling items,
has resulted in a greater participation
and tipping fee savings. I commend both
the residents and our Fairview Park
Green Team for this progress.
The efforts of our building and
code enforcement go beyond bricks
and mortar to real quality of life issues.
I am personally committed to fair but
aggressive code enforcement. Our Code
Enforcers have had a busy and productive
year conducting more than 2,000
property maintenance inspections. 1,408
permits were issued for various projects
including – HVAC, plumbing, concrete,
pools and demolition to name a few.
Today, we are working hard to
preserve
our
financial
integrity.
The city received the “Financial
Reporting Achievement Award” from
The Government Finance Association
and State Auditor Award of Distinction.
Thank you to Finance Director Lisa
Rocco, the finance staff and the Directors
and Chiefs who play a significant and
active role in the operations of their
departments budgets.
Income tax receipts were up by 3.4%
from 2013 to 2014 and property tax
receipts were up 1 % from the same
time period. There was a decrease in the
general Fund Revenue from 2013- 2014
as this loss was attributed to receiving
less from the estate tax receipts. We
ended last year with a carry-over in the
General Fund. Last Saturday, the city
administration, directors and chiefs
met with our city council to review our
budget, revenue and expenditures for this
year. With this continued fiscal oversight,
we anticipate a carry-over of over 1
million dollars for next year.
Department three words sum up 2014:
Lots of Change. We said goodbye to Chief
Bud Williams after 31 years of service
with our department and welcomed
Tony Raffin as the new Chief, making
We are grateful for the dedicated work
of our Police Officers on the street as
well as the detective bureau. Our Police
Department handled almost 14,000 calls
for service, over 2,000 investigative/
accident reports, 640 prisoners were
booked in our jail and 2,433 volunteer
hours for our Auxiliary Unit.
Last year eight MARC’S radios were
purchased and 15 portable walkie talkie
Marc’s radios were received from a
County grant. Five mobile data terminals
were also purchased for our police cars.
In September, we received financial
assistance from the County to begin a
Narcan Program. This program outfits
officers with Nalaxone which can reverse
the effects of a heroin or opiate overdose
and is ready for use in our police cars,
greatly increasing the survival rate of
those who overdose.
In describing our Fairview Park Fire
• Installation of new playground
equipment at Morton Park,
• Reroofed restroom at Morton Park
and Bain Park Pavilion,
• Installed steps entering Bain Park
playground area,
• Fenced in field #4 at Bohlken,
• Added playground equipment to
Grannis Park,
• Installed new carpet, fire alarm and
lights at Bain Cabin,
• And developed an Ice Skating Rink at
Bain Park. Please note the benches at
the rink that were constructed by a
young FP resident and Eagle Scout –
Christopher Corrigan.
him the 10th Chief in the history of the
Fire Department.
Fire prevention and education are
important functions that the department
is involved with year round. 448 buildings
were inspected with no major violations
noted. 100 fire suppression systems were
inspected and a total of 19 fire drills and
15 safety talks were completed. With
the generous help of Energizer Batteries
our firefighters distributed over 1,500
smoke alarm batteries to schools for
distribution.
The Fire Department deserves our
hearty congratulations on the results of
a recent Public Protection Classification
survey conducted by ISO! The ISO
(Insurance
Service
Organization)
evaluates fire departments around
the country. Our department showed
outstanding improvement, moving from
Class 04 to a Class 02! (Class scale: 01
highest; 10 lowest.)
We were also the recipient of several
grants totaling $32,500.00. These dollars
were used for emergency medical care
and rescue operation equipment and
2 motorized stretchers that assist
paramedics in lifting patients.
The department had its busiest year
ever with 1,668 medic runs, 152 fire runs –
including 3 structural files and 205 other
emergency runs. There was no loss of life
or injury resulting from these structure
fires. Our department members are
certified Firefighters and Paramedics
and are trained for rope rescue and
hazardous materials operations and to
the awareness level for swift water rescue.
Our Parks and Recreation Mission
Statement is to provide and promote
participation through educational, park,
recreational and leisure opportunities.
2014
brought
exciting
initiatives,
programs, and development to our
community, including
7,208 members enjoy the many
activities hosted here at our beautiful
Gemini Center, now 8 years old. Offerings
include swim lessons, youth sports
programs, youth leisure programs, adult
Mayor Eileen Ann Patton
programs. If you are looking to host a
party, call to reserve one now as 133 wave
room rentals hosted many birthday swim
parties.
Improvements this year will include a
“fresh new focus” on Tri-City Park. This
park is owned by the cities of Fairview
Park, Rocky River and Westlake. In
Director Brown’s tour of the park, he
felt Tri-City was underutilized and
immediately began a collaborative effort
between the three cities in programming
the park with sports activities seven days
a week. For our remaining parks and
facilities, the list of goals and objectives
are long and aggressive.
The goal of the Administration is to
complete a needs assessment aimed at
improving our community’s quality
of life. Please click onto our website
and take the survey now, your input is
important to us.
With the capital upgrades that will
take place this year, the Gemini Center/
Parks and Recreation Budget is expected
to have a carryover balance at the end of
2015 totaling $1,193,981.81.
Another year of fun and excitement
has gone by for the members of the
Fairview Park Senior Center. Director
Regina Sillasen and her staff continue
to create new ideas to keep the senior
active, healthy and busy. In addition to
the grants I mentioned earlier, $18,931.00
was awarded to our Senior Center to
continue our popular hot lunch program,
serving over 9,177 hot lunches last year.
I would also like to welcome School
Superintendent Bill Wagner to our
Fairview Park schools. I would like to
thank you for supporting members of our
Police Department who were assisted by
FHS Assistant Principal Chris Vicha in
the training for all the school districts
staff in a program called ALICE. Alert,
Lockdown, Identify, Counter, Evacuate.
This training is billed as the first active
shooter response program in the United
States.
I’ve learned great government can
be successful by investing in what our
citizens want and need… I’ve learned
government is great when it lives within
its means.
The State of the City is good. I truly
believe our future is looking brighter
than ever!
•
“A city is not gauged by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams.”
— Herb Caen
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
12
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015
EDUCATION
FAIRVIEW PARK BRANCH
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
By Lynn Donaldson
April 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
In this informative and motivational
workshop designed for The Over-40
Job Seeker and presented by a Career
Counselor, learn how to increase your
marketability and success in today’s job
field. This workshop will provide handson job search strategies and resources.
Registration required.
April 8 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of music with the
Ryann Anderson Trio. A lifelong
instrumental guitarist from Cleveland,
Ryann Anderson draws from several
musical
styles
and
genres—jazz,
classical and folk, and stands apart with
his original sound. Sponsored by The
Friends of the Fairview Park Branch
Library. Registration required.
April 16 at 7:00 p.m. Author John
Sabol will talk about his newest book
“Kelleys Island” and use a PowerPoint
presentation
to
accompany
the
discussion. Books will be available for
purchase and signing following the
presentation. Registration required.
April 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Money Smart Week April 1825 by attending Budgeting for a Better
Life. Financial experts will share tips on
creating budgets and finding available
tools and resources to reach your goals.
Registration required.
Rotary Foundation
Awards $51,000 in Grants
April 23 at 7:00 p.m. With Elegance,
the voice of Coloratura Soprano
Kathleen Bosl and the voice of the flute
played by Rachel Kim will join together
to sing and play the compositions
of K.G. Roy, A. Roussel, R. Vaughn
Williams and others. Sponsored by the
Friends of the Fairview Park Branch
Library. Registration required.
April 29 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30
p.m. Come to learn how to Gain
Historical
Context
for
Your
Ancestors. Genealogy involves more
than collecting names of ancestors,
documenting records and organizing
information into charts. Author John
Sabol will show you how to reconstruct
the environment in which your
ancestors lived, the social network
through which they moved and some
little known events of their lives.
Registration required.
To register, call the Fairview Park
Branch Library at 440-333-4700 or
visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org.
Nearly $51,000 in grants from
the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary
Foundation will be used to provide
scholarships,
recognize
student
achievement, purchase dictionaries for
third graders, and help fund worthy
programs by community organizations.
The awards focused on three main
areas – community health and wellness,
food and nutrition, and programs that
encourage and foster youth leadership.
The Rotary Club of Lakewood and
Rocky River will award $10,000 in
scholarships to high school seniors in
May, and $4,750 to student winners
in the club’s annual speech, music and
art competition at the Beck Center on
March 30.
The Beck Center received $3,000 for
visual arts scholarships and Bike for
Beck, and $1,920 was used to continue
the club’s commitment to provide a
dictionary each year to every third
grader in Lakewood and Rocky River.
Other grants for youth-related
programs were awarded to: Mathew’s
Lending Library, Recovery Resources,
H2O (Help to Others), Bridge Avenue
School, Girls with Sole, Magnificat High
School, Lakewood Foundation Supplies
4 Success, and the American Youth
Foundation programs at Lakewood and
Rocky River high schools.
Lakewood
Community
Services
Center received a $3,350 grant for
SUMMER CAMPS
& PROGRAMS
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
programs to help its clients move
toward self-sufficiency. Cornucopia Inc.
(Nature’s Bin) was awarded $2,065 for its
job training and placement program.
Additional
community
service
grants were awarded to: North Coast
Health
Ministry,
Barton
Center,
Providence House, Rocky River Senior
Center, Trinity Lutheran Community
Outreach, Rocky River Assistance
Program, Lakewood Foundation for
the Commission on Aging, Lakewood
Charitable Assistance Corp., and Meals
on Wheels in Lakewood and Rocky River.
The club Foundation’s assets grow
each year as the result of gifts, donations
and bequests by members and friends of
the club. The local club was chartered in
1926.
Rotary International is the world’s
first service club organization, with more
than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs
in more than 160 countries worldwide.
Rotary, along with its partners, has
reduced polio cases by 99% worldwide
since its first project to vaccinate
children in the Philippines in 1979.
•
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015 13
EDUCATION
Rotary Honors Outstanding
Career-Tech Students
By Lynn Donaldson
West Shore Career-Technical District
Outstanding Student Award recipients
were honored by the Rotary Club of
Lakewood and Rocky River at its noon
luncheon in March at the Don Umerley
Civic Center.
The 16 students - top performers
in their career-technical programs
- were chosen for their exemplary
accomplishments in the classroom,
school
activities,
clubs,
athletics
and service in the community. Each
student exemplifies traits of leadership,
dedication,
responsibility,
caring,
community involvement, and initiative.
“These West Shore students have
achieved top results in the classroom
and workplace,” remarked Linda Thayer,
West Shore Career-Technical District
educational coordinator. “They have
already started on their career path
by earning college credit, industry
credentials, and workplace experience
through their West Shore experience.
This sets them apart from their peers as
they head out into the post-secondary
and workplace world.”
Parents, employers, work supervisors
and guests were among those in
attendance. According to Rotarian
Nancy Ralls, West Shore CareerTechnical District career development
coordinator, this is the 18th year the club
has honored the Outstanding Student
Award winners.
The Rotary club will present each
student with a gift card and a plaque
to honor their achievements at West
Shore’s annual Career Passport and
Student Recognition Assembly on
May 19. Each award recipient is
automatically nominated to receive the
“Career-Technical Student of the Year
Award” which will be announced at West
Shore’s Career Passport and Student
Recognition Assembly.
West Shore districts are Bay Village,
Lakewood, Rocky River and Westlake.
This year, West Shore is serving 507
students in its workforce development
programs.
Recipients
The 2014-15 Outstanding Student
Award recipients are Alan Baker,
automotive technology; Renee Klann,
biotechnology; David Antz, business
management; Sean Collins, communitybased training at Bonne Bell; Colin
Murphy, community-based training
at Rae Ann; Marta Myers, communitybased at the Marriott; Elijah Plumley,
construction
trades;
Katherine
Renaudin, culinary arts; Megan Knott,
early childhood education; Darius
Rogers, electronic technology; Mohamed
Saed Alodat, health careers technology;
Jacob Corder, interactive media; Ulmas
Fayzulova, medical office management;
Aaron Swartz, networking/Cisco; Laert
Fejzullari, Project Lead the Way; and Eric
Van Keuls, service occupations training.
•
Magnificat Award Recipients Mrs. Pat, and Mr. Bill Reichard, with Sister Helen
Jean Novy, H.M., Interim President of Magnificat(in center).
Magnificat’s Annual Endowment Gala
By Karen Uthe
Thanks to Magnificat alumnae, parents and friends who joined together in
support of the students of Magnificat, the school’s 26th Annual Endowment Gala
raised over $225,000! It was a spectacular evening under the dazzling lights of
the State Theatre at Playhouse Square. Special congratulations to Rocky River
residents, Pat and Bill Reichard, who were honored that evening with the school’s
Magnificat Award.
•
Karen Uthe is Director of Marketing for Magnificat High School.
“What you learn is your personal treasure.
No one can take it away from you.”
— Lailah Gifty Akita
West Shore students who were honored and Todd Lessig (far right), Rotary club
president.
Rotary Foundation Offers
Four Grants
The Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Foundation is offering grants for study in any
accredited post-high school educational institution. Four grants of $2,500 will be
awarded toward the cost of one year’s tuition.
Applicants must be a member of the 2015 graduating class of any accredited high
school and be a resident of Lakewood or Rocky River; in the top one-third of the
graduating class; have applied to a specific college, university, community or junior
college, or trade or professional school; and have no direct relationship to a Rotarian
or Honorary Rotarian.
Applications must be received by 3 p.m., Monday, April 13. The awards will be
presented on June 8.
Required information must be submitted on the application form that can be
downloaded or completed online at http://www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org.
Guidelines for submitting the application, as well as other criteria, are included.
•
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
14
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015
THE GOOD LIFE
Introducing the Rockport Foodie
By Colleen Wing
The goal of any restaurant critic should
be to offer a relatively educated opinion
about a dining experience to the public.
In the day and age of smart phones, Yelp,
food blogs, and online magazines, getting
someone’s two cents isn’t necessarily
even that valuable. One of the things that
is missing in most critiques is context.
Many factors go into someone’s
opinion about a restaurant experience.
For example, my father once complained
that the pork chops at TGI Friday’s
were too juicy…too juicy…is that even a
thing? My husband, on the other hand,
is willing to tough out a new experience
with me. His only criterion is that he
doesn’t leave hungry and for him that
means a meal on a plate. Then there are
the children. My poor children aren’t
allowed to simply not like something.
It is a lengthy conversation involving a
barrage of questions about what they
didn’t like. Was it the texture, was it too
bitter, sweet, salty, what…what! These
are not the people you want getting a bee
in their bonnet and writing a review.
I was a restaurant manager before my
children were born. Having a degree in
Hospitality Management and Culinary
Arts is like having a PhD in other fields.
There are few other occupations in
which qualifications come as easily.
Because someone likes to eat and drink
and has seed money, he or she somehow
has all the qualifications needed to run a
restaurant. I have great respect for chefs
and restaurant/bar owners, but you
really have to love the business. I can tell
when I walk in the door whether or not
they do.
Recently, I walked into a local spot
known for creative hot dogs and
sandwiches. It also offers breakfast,
lunch, dinner, and (my favorite) online
ordering for takeout. Some of the local
“Best of’s” were just published and River
Dog Café won in one category and was a
contender in some others.
On entering River Dog Café, I was
greeted by a person who seemed
genuinely happy to be there. I asked
for recommendations, ordered a Jenny
Dog- hot dog with bacon, brie, and honey
truffle glaze ($6), The Adam Bomb-hot
dog with beef brisket, creamy cheddar
cheese, and fresh herbs ($6), a side of
macaroni and cheese ($4), and tater tots
($2.50). I ordered it to go so that I could
dissect it at home and share with my boys.
The menu notes that all hot dogs are
grass-fed, Angus beef, and uncured, free
from nitrates. I thought all the bad stuff
is what makes hot dogs taste good, but
this one proved me wrong. The River Dog
also offers a veggie version or kielbasa
and bratwurst option for dog suggestions
and builds dogs.
The Jenny Dog was excellent. The
brie and the bacon along with the honey
glaze had a bite but made for a savory
sweet combo. My younger son taste of
only the brie. It was a little too sharp him
but he said the rest was darn tasty. The
buns are soft but sturdy, so even with
all the toppings, you don’t end up with a
soggy dog. The Adam Bomb was good too,
although it seemed to need some crunch.
Of course, my sons fought over the last
bit of cheese sauce for their tater tots.
The macaroni and cheese was a perfect
meld between kid and adult flavor
palettes. The flavor proves it is house
made. It was cheesy but not dry and
wasn’t, as my son says “too saucy”. He
loved the corkscrew pasta. Bar 145 in
Avon has excellent mac and cheese. River
Dog could rival it at half the price…and
with better service.
Later that evening, we ordered online,
which was quick and easy. We tried a
Crispy Duck BLT ($9.50) duck breast,
bacon, brie, lettuce and tomato, cherry
mayo on a grilled ciabatta. The cherry
mayo mixed with the brie made for a
wonderful creaminess next to the crunch
of the bacon. The only flaw was that the
skin of the duck was not crispy.
It is clear that quality ingredients and
thoughtful components go into each
of the items on River Dog’s menu. The
café is owned and operated by Christian
and Jennifer Barnes, residents of Rocky
River. The family’s passion for good food
is evident in everything made. I look
forward to trying the Sunday brunch
and what has been described as “the best
cinnamon roll you’ll ever have”.
The River Dog Café is located at 19900
Detroit Ave, Rocky River; phone, 216767-5559. Visit the Café at riverdogcafe.
com, Facebook, and Twitter.
•
Colleen Wing has a degree in
Hospitality Management and Culinary
Arts. She and her family live in Rocky
River. Colleen believes that life is too
short to waste good calories on bad food
and wine.
Frozen Over
In traveling home after another busy day
I fell asleep somewhere along the way
Then from a bump or as someone spoke
On the shoreway bridge, half-way, I woke
And turning scarce awake, I viewed the wide
Expanse of lake, the whole - frozen white
I blinked as in mistake or just the glimpse
Had made it so, but the icy field did persist
And marveling, I shook my head to clear
Away the dreams of work, work of dreams
And thoughtless then as the drifts of snow
Stared across the empty plain below
— Mark F. Herron
Digital Magazines from RRPL
Photo by Tom Banyas
Stuck in a waiting room with nothing to do but flip through old magazines?
Not anymore! Rocky River Public Library now offers a variety of your favorite
magazines, available 24/7 online. You can instantly access the latest issues of over
40 popular magazines, which can be read on a multitude of smartphones and
tablets.
Check out our new digital periodicals on the Library’s website, where you
currently borrow eBooks and digital audiobooks at http://digitallibrary.rrpl.org.
Magazines are returned automatically after the lending period, so there are no
late fees. Happy browsing!
•
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015 15
THE GOOD LIFE
The Etiquette Corner
Share the Joy of Spring
By Colleen Harding
Spring is just around the corner. It has been a difficult winter, but crazy winters allow
us to appreciate beautiful springs even more. Use the new season as an opportunity to
spread some old-fashioned kindness. I think the continued extreme cold weather has
put many of us in a funk. The cold and gray can do this. However, as you start peeling
off the depression and feeling renewed, spread the joy.
Here are some suggestions of ways to enhance the rush you may experience with
the return of the sun.
1. G
reet a neighbor. We don’t get to know our neighbors well in our fast-paced
world. If you have an older neighbor, check on them and make sure they are
feeling good. Put some time aside for a little visit. Remember that you could be
the only person your elderly neighbor has seen in a very long time.
2. B
ring your smile back and share it. Smile and say hello when you enter an
elevator or grocery store or walk into a bank.
3. T
ake someone to lunch or dinner or for a drink and treat for no reason. Just grab
the tab! The treat doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.
4. C
all or write to someone that you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Surprise
someone with an unexpected note or call.
5. B
ring someone flowers. Flowers are so inexpensive and can brighten anyone’s day.
6. T
ell someone special that he or she is special to you. Many times we don’t
express ourselves and say the words because we figure the other person already
knows how we feel. And they may know - but it is still always nice to hear.
7. C
all your mother. Moms are the people that are always glad to hear from us.
Dads might think we need money when we call, but Moms always want to know
what we are up to and how we are doing.
These suggestions might seem simple - and they are - but we still don’t do them
enough. This spring, share the joy of renewal and see how it enhances your internal
happiness.
•
Please submit your questions to Mrs. Harding through our website,
click on Submit a new story and choose the category “Mrs. Harding”.
Colleen Harding
“Training Future Leaders”
(216)970-5889
clevelandschoolofetiquette.com
Local Author’s Book
on Kindle
Consumer Beware:
Phone Scams Targeting
Ohio Residents
By Carolyn Hildebrandt
calls should take steps to protect
themselves, including the following:
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine
warned that consumers in Ohio and
throughout the nation are reporting
scam calls that appear to come from a 513
(Cincinnati) area code phone number
and attempt to obtain consumers’ credit
or debit card numbers. The calls appear
to be part of a “phishing” scheme, in
which con artists attempt to gain a
consumer’s personal information by
claiming that there is a problem with the
consumer’s account.
Although a 513-area code phone
number appears on the consumer’s caller
ID, the calls likely are not originating
from the Cincinnati area and may be the
result of hacking or caller ID “spoofing,”
or altering. In one week, the Ohio
Attorney General’s Office received about
110 reports of these calls from consumers
in Ohio and other states.
According to consumer reports, the
calls generally begin with a recorded
message telling consumers that their
credit or debit card has been locked or
frozen. Consumers are instructed to
“Press 1” to unlock their account and
then are told to enter their 16-digit card
number. Consumers who supply this
information may be at risk for identity
theft.
“Scammers often try to use fear to
convince people to provide money
or personal information,” Attorney
General DeWine said. “No matter what
a caller says, don’t give out any financial
information in response to these kinds of
calls. If you are worried about your credit
or debit account, hang up and call your
bank using a number you know to be
real, such as the number that appears on
your monthly statement.”
Consumers who receive suspicious
• Be skeptical of the phone number
that appears on your caller ID. It could
be the result of “spoofing” or hacking.
• When in doubt, hang up or don’t
answer.
• Don’t respond to suspicious calls.
Even if the call prompts you to press
a button to “opt out,” don’t do it.
This could cause you to receive more
calls, because it signals that yours is a
legitimate phone number.
• Never provide money or personal
information to someone who calls you
unexpectedly, even if it appears to be
a local call.
Consumers who think they have
provided credit or debit card numbers in
response to a potential scam should take
steps to protect themselves from possible
identity theft. Call your bank to report
that your credit or debit card number
has been compromised. Banks may take
action such as issuing a new card number
to you.
Monitor your bank accounts. Look for
suspicious activity, and if you find any
errors, immediately notify your bank,
or credit or debit card provider. Place an
initial fraud alert on your credit report.
Contact one of the three major credit
reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax,
or TransUnion — to place an initial fraud
alert, which will stay on your credit
report for 90 days. The alert is free of
charge and will make it more difficult for
someone to open credit in your name.
Victims of identity theft should
contact the Ohio Attorney General’s
Identity Theft Unit for help correcting
the effects of identity theft. To report
a scam, consumers should contact the
Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.
OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-2820515.
April Showers
Bring May Flowers
fairview park garden club
spring luncheon
Saturday, April 18 • 11:30 AM
By Edward Staskus
“Searching for Sebastian”, a new
short novel by Edward Staskus, has
recently been published on Amazon’s
Kindle Books. Based on extensive
interviews with the 2011 freshman
class of St. Edward’s High School in
Lakewood, the novel is a comic and
dystopian coming-of-age story.
A short story writer and a regular
contributor to the Rebelle Society,
Mr. Staskus has written for magazines
such as Integral Yoga, Australian Yoga,
and Elephant Journal, as well as the
Rockport and Lakewood Observers.
His current project, “Dogs Never Bite
Me”, is appearing in serial form at
dogsneverbiteme.wordpress.com.
Gemini Center
21225 Lorain Road • Fairview Park, Ohio
Tickets are $30 each. Advanced ticket sales only.
For tickets, please call: 440-333-3333.
Featuring a style show by Fairview Park’s Dress Barn, our popular
raffle baskets, door prizes, 50/50 raffle and more!
•
•
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
16
THE ROCKPORT OBSERVER | VOL 02, ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2015
ROCKY RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 2 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Teens grab your friends and stop by the
Library for Video Games! Grades 7 and
up.
10 years of association, the Round Table
acquired national reputations both for
their contributions to literature and for
their sparkling wit.
April 9 at 7:00 p.m. Be part of the
Cleveland Play House Script Club. It’s
everything you love about a book club,
but with a play in the spotlight. Check
out the script for “Vanya and Sonia and
Masha and Spike,” read it, and register
to join CPH staff to explore the story,
characters, and how CPH takes a play
from page to stage! The quiet country
lives of siblings Vanya and Sonia are
upended when their fading B-movie
star sister arrives with a revelation—
and her sexy boy-toy, Spike. Existential
despair has never been funnier than in
this Tony Award-winning comedy.
All enhanced with music from the
era—Gershwin—played by a pianist and
violinist. Catch the likes of Dorothy
Parker, Alexander Woollcott, Edna
Ferber and Robert Benchley through
a narrative in the form of a script read
by four prominent area actors. Free
admission. Limited seating—come early.
Registration Required: Pick up your
script at the Reference Desk as soon
as possible and register online at www.
rrpl.org on the events calendar at least
2 days before.
On Stage in River presents “At Wit’s
End,” a literary concert on April 12 at
7:00 p.m. at the Rocky River Senior
Center.
April 12 at 7:00 p.m. Join us for our
performing arts series On Stage In
River when we present the premier
performance of “At Wit’s End,”a literary
concert at the Rocky River Senior
Center on 21014 Hilliard Boulevard.
Experience the excitement of live
theater when WordStage celebrates
the spoken words of the Algonquin
Round Table. WordStage, a Chamber
Music Readers Theater, takes us back
to New York City in the 1920s when a
remarkable group of writers, critics,
and actors met for lunch daily and in
April 13 at 6:30 p.m. Come watch “The
Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie”,
a 1972 French drama/comedy, as
our Indie International Film Fest
continues. Enjoy fresh, hot popcorn while
celebrating the world of cinema. Please
note these films have not been rated
and should be assumed to have mature
content.
April 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
How Smart Is Your TV? will help you
discover what defines a Smart TV, its
capabilities, its limitations, and some
of the latest television add-ons such as
Chromecast.
April 15 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Has your favorite book been turned into
a movie? From the Page to the Screen
will capture your attention. Join us for
popcorn and a teen movie. Grades 7 and
up.
April 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sip,
Snack, and Craft! - Special Shannon
‘Knitgirl’ Okey Edition! - gets creative!
Meet Shannon Okey, fiber artist, founder
of Cooperative Press, and author of 13
books! Ms. Okey will be instructing the
group on a simple project and materials
will be provided. Registration required.
April 18 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Be
a part of the Guild of the Brick for ages
5 and older. Are you crazy about Legos®?
Then drop in! We provide the Legos®, you
bring the imagination.
April 20 at 3:30 p.m. Come to Movie
Monday for grades 3 through 6. We’ll
feature recent movie releases, along with
everyone’s favorite classics. Enjoy free
popcorn and drinks.
April 22 at 10:00 a.m. The Alzheimer’s
Association presents “Now What Was I
Saying? Understanding and Enhancing
Memory”. This interactive workshop will
explain the basics of how the brain works,
the primary principles of memory, some
techniques to improve memory and
things you can do for improving overall
brain health.
April 24 at 12:00 p.m. Really relax
at Lunchtime Movie. Join us and
watch “Unbroken,” nominated for
three Academy Awards and directed
by Angelina Jolie. Popcorn and drinks
provided.
April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Meet 50 fiction and non-fiction authors,
children’s and teen authors, poets and
book illustrators/photographers at the
Rocky River Public Library Book
Festival. Mary Doria Russell, Linda
Castillo, Les Roberts, Jonathan Sawyer,
Mary Ann Winkowski, D.M. Pulley,
Michael Heaton, James Renner and
more of your favorites will be there. Hear
popular authors talk about their books
throughout the day, talk with your
favorite authors and get signed copies
of their books. Plus free book appraisals,
prize drawings, and more. This free event
- sponsored by the Women’s Committee of
Rocky River Public Library, the Friends
of the Library, and the Rocky River
Public Library Foundation - is being
held at the Don Umerley Civic Center on
21016 Hilliard Boulevard.
April 28 from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Play Dungeons & Dragons, the classic
fantasy role-playing game, with other
teens. Learn how to create a character
and embark on fantastic adventures.
There is plenty of room for extra
Dungeon Masters, too! Grades 7 and up.
Registration required.
April 29 from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Drop in for Get in the Game! for students
in grades 3-6. Meet at the library to hang
out with your friends, play games and
munch on snacks. Different games are
Join the Discussion at: www.therockportobserver.com
featured each month, including Wii
Just Dance, PlayStation Rock Band,
party games and board games.
TUNE IN THURSDAY features The
Cavani String Quartet at Rocky River
Public Library on April 30 at 7:00 p.m.
April 30 at 7:00 p.m. TUNE IN
THURSDAY features the Cavani
String
Quartet.
Cleveland’s
own
internationally
renowned,
awardwinning chamber music ensemble
returns to our Library with a new
program. Two violins, a viola and cello
create a musical memory.
April 30 Registration Deadline The
Annual Cowan Pottery Symposium
takes place on Saturday, May 9, from
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Symposium
is an ideal opportunity for those who
are interested in Cowan Pottery, local
history, antiques, collecting, and the arts
in general to network with like-minded
people. The day includes speakers,
meals, scholarship presentation, and a
raffle. Cost is $22.00. For more details,
check www.rrpl.org/cowan, or contact
Cowan Pottery Museum Curator/
Historian Lauren Hansgen at 440-8953763 or l.hansgen@rrpl.org
The Library will be closed on Easter
Sunday, April 5.
For additional information, call the
Rocky River Public Library at 440333-7610 or visit www.rrpl.org.